Polymers or synthetic fibers are man-made fibers which are widely used in modern upholstery fabric. Synthetic fibers are very popular and greatly used because of lots of variations in texture, color, styles and patterns – lots of options to choose from. Aside from its appearance, synthetic fibers are known to be very strong and can stand up abuses thrown by the ones using the upholstered furniture.

There are several fiber types that belong polymers and they are as follows:

Acetate Fiber

This type of synthetic fiber was created from cellulose acetate.

Characteristics of Acetate Fiber

• Has a very comfortable feel and look when using upholstery fabric made from acetate.
• Has a shimmering look and highly customizable and easy to apply dyes or coloring.
• Does not easily get shrinks and crumpled. It also has a very good resistance from mildews but easily absorbs solvents and scratches.
• Usually used in blend with other fiber to evenly distribute luster and glossiness. Acetate fibers also often found in innovative fabrics, lining and other stiff upholstery fabrics.
• Cleaning methods can be dry cleaning or water based using soap.

Acrylic Fiber

Acrylic fiber is another type of synthetic fiber that includes popular bands like Orlon, Acrilan etc.

Characteristics of Acrylic Fiber

• Very soft and has a natural feeling when used. Acrylics are commonly used in creating luxurious velvet upholstery fabrics.
• Quick drying and does not easily gets faded when exposed to sunlight, strong resistance against molds, insects and bugs.
• Not fireproof
• Perfectly used for outdoor upholstery fabrics.
• Cleaning methods either dry clean or washed with soap and water.

Tagged with: acetate fiber • acrylic fibers • polymers • synthetic fibers • Synthetic Fibers or Polymers

Filed under: Upholstery Fabric

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!

Nylon Fiber

Introduced in 1939 by DuPont, nylon is the common name for chemically similar fiber group.

Characteristics of Nylon Fiber

• Good shimmering look, very easy to apply dyes and other colorings. Also good for hanging fabrics like curtains.
• Very strong and long-lasting, very strong resistance from all forms of scratching, molds and insects and bugs. Nylon fiber also does not easily crumple.
• Widely used in creating velvet upholstery fabric like acrylic and other types of woven upholstery fabrics.
• Cleaning methods either dry cleaning or washed with soap and water.

Olefin Fiber

Olefin was obtained from petroleum and has similar look with wool fiber.

Characteristics of Olefin Fiber

• Has a very strong resistance to moisture, thus does not easily gets molds. Olefin fiber also resists scratches and many forms of chemicals.
• Very heat sensitive and may get damaged when exposed to too much sunlight. Upholstery fabric made from Olefin fiber must only be used indoor and in a place with minimal amount of sunlight.
• Velvet upholstery fabrics and other flat woven upholstery fabrics are usually made from olefin fiber.
• Cleaning methods either dry cleaning and water-based washing.

Microfiber

Polyester, same with nylon was also introduced by DuPont in 1950’s. Microfiber is a blend of polyester and polyamide and one of the most popular fibers.

Characteristics of Microfiber

• In terms of appearance, polyester can have bright or tedious polish; in terms of texture polyester can be brittle or smooth.
• Very solid and long lasting and can absorb scratches very well. Does not easily fade when exposed to sunlight.
• Very strong resistance from molds and insects and bugs.
• Does not easily get dirt and stains as compared to polyester alone that easily get stains.
• Polyester mix well with other fibers like cotton and can have silk like appearance. It is also perfect for outdoor upholstery fabrics.
• Microfiber can be cleaned using mild solvents or detergents.

Tagged with: microfiber • nylon fiber • olefin fiber • polyester • polymers • synthetic fibers • Synthetic Fibers or Polymers

Filed under: Upholstery Fabric

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!